Tools for Community-Based Research Certificate

This course will guide you through key facets of community-based research (CBR) using a self-directed education modules. Our goal is to get you ready to participate in and contribute to community-based research teams.

“At its core community-based research [CBR] is collaborative, concerned with equity, involves community and university scholars as equal partners, and combines knowledge with action usually to achieve social change. The intent in CBR is to transform research from a relationship where researchers act upon a community to answer a research question to one where researchers work side by side with community members.” (Community-Based Research Partnerships, 2006).

We focus on HIV as an exemplary case, and especially on research on HIV stigma, because the social and cultural world of HIV is complex and ever-changing. In Canada, health-oriented HIV CBR has a unique history of accomplishments. It connects the worlds of activism, research, policy, clinical practice and non-profit frontline work. The lessons learned can be applied to many types of health research and many health conditions. HIV stigma permeates all interactions with people living with HIV, health-care providers and caregivers. Our preferred example will invite you to witness a current ongoing project: The Positive Effect.

This exciting and user-friendly blended learning course is designed with democratic pedagogy principles in mind. The course is for beginners who have not participated or read much about CBR, but are eager to get started. It is also for emerging and established researchers who are looking for fresh ways of building capacity amongst their students, team members and research participants.

Participation in community-based research can range from being a 'respondent' to a survey, to being a member of an advisory committee, a health-care provider involved in research, or a peer researcher. Wherever you come from, this course will provide helpful tools to develop your knowledge and skills.

Learning Objectives

To become aware of basic terms used in CBR.

To begin to apply CBR concepts to research contexts familiar to the learner.

To increase the learner’s readiness level to participate in a CBR study.

To learn about CBR key aspects through the preferred example of HIV Stigma Index research.

To apply new knowledge and concepts by sketching a CBR research proposal.

The university is proud to acknowledge the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation which is covered under the Williams Treaties. We are situated on the Traditional Territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation which includes Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi.